Two Ipswich women charged over Adelaide murder

UPDATE: SOUTH Australian police searched homes in Ipswich earlier this week before charging two women with the murder of an elderly man in northern Adelaide.

Six officers travelled to Queensland in an extensive investigation following the death of 81-year-old Robert Whitwell earlier this month.

Detective Inspector Greg Hutchins told media one of the young women was the granddaughter of the victim.

He alleged Mr Whitwell was killed inside his home.

"The circumstances of this murder are quite shocking and are very devastating for the family," he said.

He said SA police were not anticipating any further arrests but were still early in the investigation.

EARLIER: TWO women from Redbank Plains will face court on Monday charged with the murder of an elderly man at his home in South Australia.

The women, aged 19 and 21, allegedly killed Robert Whitwell, aged 81, in circumstances that have not been made public.

Mr Whitwell was found dead in his home in Craigmore, north of Adelaide, on August 8.

South Australia police announced on Saturday they would seek the extradition of the two women to Adelaide.
They will face Brisbane Magistrates Court.

In a statement, Detective Inspector Greg Hutchins said Mr Whitwell's family was devastated by the development in his death.

"At this time police are not able to elaborate further on the cause of death, or what factors in the case were initially considered unexplained. These factors are central to the ongoing investigation," he said.